Lead Aprons Are a Lead Exposure Hazard

Burns, Kevin; Shoag, Jamie M.; Kahlon, Sukhraj S.; Parsons, Patrick J.; Bijur, Polly E.; Taragin, Benjamin H.; Markowitz, Morri E.

doi:10.1016/j.jacr.2016.10.024

Cited by 42 publications

(34 citation statements)

References 11 publications

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“…Burns et al found that 63% of lead aprons had detectable surface lead that was associated with visual appearance, type of shield, and storage method. Lead-containing shields are a newly identified, potentially widespread source of lead exposure in the health industry 18 . Additionally, lead sheets are installed within plasterboards fixed to the walls for shielding radiation in the departments of radiology, cardiology, vascular surgery, orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery, and dentistry 19 .…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Increased lead concentrations in the hairs of radiographers in general hospitals

Hung

Chang

2021

Sci Rep

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This study investigated lead concentrations in the hairs of radiographers working in the radiological departments of general hospitals that used lead shielding for radiation protection. We collected scalp hair samples from 32 radiographers working in four radiology departments with lead shielding and 18 administration personnel in the same hospitals without lead shielding. Samples were analyzed for lead concentrations by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. As a result, lead concentrations in the hairs of the radiological technologists were significantly higher than those in the administration staffs (0.72 ± 0.51 vs. 0.19 ± 0.27 μg/g, P < 0.001). The hair lead concentrations were positively and significantly associated with environmental lead concentrations (r = 0.6, P = 0.001), but not associated with age, working duration, and gender distribution.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Increased lead concentrations in the hairs of radiographers in general hospitals

Hung

Chang

2021

Sci Rep

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“…However, a recent study reported that 63% of radiation shields have dust on exterior surfaces, which correlates with the physical appearance of a shield. 18 This dust may be a hazard as lead-based dust is a well-known source of lead exposure. Lead dust can be absorbed by the blood either by inhalation or inadvertent ingestion, causing elevated levels of lead in the blood.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Quality Assurance of Personal Radiation Shield for Kilovoltage Photon: A Multicentre Experience

Bawazeer¹

2021

RMHP

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Purpose: To optimize the maintenance of radiation shields, this study aims to analyze annual inspection files to assess the integrity of radiation shields and their associated factors with regard to defects in radiation shields in clinical settings. Methods: A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted at hospitals in Saudi Arabia. The data from annual inspection files of 1019 clinical lead radiation shields were analyzed. The factors of shield shape, unit where a shield is used, shield thickness, short-term use and number of users were examined. In addition to the inspection file analysis, radiation attenuation measurements were obtained for a subset of shields to compare newly purchased shields with older shields. Statistical analyses were performed using Fisher's exact test and a t-test. Results: The results show that the highest percentage of failing shields were found in the emergency unit, fluoroscopy unit and operation room with a failure of approximately 7.14%, 5.61%, and 3.98%, respectively, of these shields. Fluoroscopy and operation room units were statistically significantly associated with shield defects. There was no association between shield damage and shape of shield, shield thickness, short-term use or number of users. Radiation attenuation measurements were similar for new and older shields. Conclusion: As fluoroscopy units and operating rooms have a higher percentage of damaged shields, it is recommended that the shields employed in these units should be regularly inspected more frequently than once a year. The study highlights that the shields' age, transmission measurements that confirm that the correct shields are purchased according to the required kVp, physical appearance, and cleanliness should be recorded in annual inspection files. This study highlights the need for uniform inspection files of radiation shields across hospitals. National and international organizations may apply these findings to develop appropriate recommendations.

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“…The weight burden from lead is roughly 50% of the overall garment weight, with the plastic casing composing the remainder. Recently the isolation of lead dust by this design has caused lead aprons to become a suspected source of lead poisoning in medical settings [38]. Lead aprons are the most commonly encountered garment of this type and by design these are worn as an X-ray shield to protect the torso and upper legs, leaving the head, neck, and arms exposed to radiation.…”

Section: Current Status Of X-ray Shielding Materialsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…For the 85% bismuth composite, the percent X-ray attenuation was nearly 100% at 60 kVp, more than double that of the commercial marker. Further, the 85% bismuth marker was determined to have a lead equivalent X-ray attenuation of 0.21 mm, which would indicate that a 1.2 mm thick sheet of the 85% bismuth composite material would provide similar radiation protection to the lead aprons commonly used in medical facilities (0.5 mm lead equivalent attenuation) [38]. While this is thicker than a sheet of solid lead, the low toxicity of bismuth means that the shielding material can be placed directly against the skin, and will not require thick protective layers around the functional material.…”

Section: Fabrication Of Bi Nano-and Micro-composites For X-ray Shieldmentioning

confidence: 99%

Bismuth-Based Nano- and Microparticles in X-Ray Contrast, Radiation Therapy, and Radiation Shielding Applications

Winter¹,

Brown²,

Goforth³

2018

Bismuth - Advanced Applications and Defects Characterization

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Bismuth has gained attention in preclinical research because of its ability to attenuate X-rays and high biocompatibility, which make it an excellent element for use in a biomedical agent or in radiation shielding. Developments in the synthesis of elemental bismuth nano-and microparticles, their X-radiation interactions, and their biological interactions will be reviewed in this chapter. The chapter will pay special focus to emerging medical applications of elemental bismuth nano-and microparticles, including the possibility of targeted molecular X-ray imaging, photo-thermal and X-radiation dose enhancing therapies for cancer treatment, and the construction of flexible radiation shielding materials and X-ray opaque devices.

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Lead Aprons Are a Lead Exposure Hazard

Cited by 42 publications

References 11 publications

Increased lead concentrations in the hairs of radiographers in general hospitals

Increased lead concentrations in the hairs of radiographers in general hospitals

Quality Assurance of Personal Radiation Shield for Kilovoltage Photon: A Multicentre Experience

Bismuth-Based Nano- and Microparticles in X-Ray Contrast, Radiation Therapy, and Radiation Shielding Applications

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